Advanced Healthcare Directives

Pregnant woman lying on the bed and holding her belly

No one knows when their time will come, but it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. That’s why everyone should have an advanced healthcare directive in place.

This article outlines your wishes for medical care if you are unable to make decisions yourself. It can be a difficult topic to think about, but it’s crucial to have a plan in case something happens. In this article, we will discuss the basics of advanced healthcare directives and how to create one for yourself or your loved ones.

1. What Is an Advanced Healthcare Directive and Why Do I Need One?

An advanced healthcare directive is a document that outlines your wishes for medical care if you are unable to make those medical decisions yourself. This can be helpful in ensuring that your loved ones know what you would want in the event of an emergency. It’s important to have one of these documents in place, especially if you have specific opinions about end-of-life care or medical treatment.

While creating an advanced healthcare directive can be a difficult and stressful task, it’s important to have a plan in place in case something happens. Here are some tips on how to create an advanced healthcare directive

Rear view of clinician holding stethoscope
  • Choose someone you trust to be your advocate. This person will be responsible for carrying out your wishes according to your advanced healthcare directive.
  • Discuss your wishes with your loved ones. They need to be aware of your decisions in order to support you if something happens.
  • Be specific about the type of care you want and don’t want. If there is any ambiguity, it could lead to disagreements between family members about what you would have wanted.
  • Make sure your directive is in writing and signed by you and two witnesses (or is notarized). This will help to ensure that it is legally binding.
  • It is generally more simple to complete the statutory advanced healthcare directive form found in California Probate Code Section 4701 than to draft an advanced healthcare directive from scratch. 

Having an advanced healthcare directive in place can give you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be followed if something happens to you. It’s a difficult topic to think about, but it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected.

2. Ways to Create an Advanced Healthcare Directive for Yourself or a Loved One

Stethoscope on blue background, space for text

There are a few different ways to create an advanced healthcare directive. You can use an online template, work with an attorney, or use a state-specific form, such as California’s form, which can be found here. Regardless of which method you choose, there are a few key components that should be included in every directive.

First, you will need to designate a healthcare agent. This is the person who will make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself. It’s important to choose someone you trust who knows what you would want in a difficult situation.

Second, you will need to list your wishes for medical care. This can include anything from end-of-life care to organ donation. Be sure to list your wishes in as much detail as possible, and be sure to include any special considerations that might apply to you (such as religious beliefs or medical conditions).

Finally, you will need to sign and date the document. This ensures that it is legally binding.

Contact our office for help in creating estate planning documents that meet all of the legal requirements in California. This can be especially helpful if you have specific requests or want to ensure that your wishes are followed exactly. Call or text us today for a consultation at (916) 704-3009.

Client Reviews

James Arrasmith is one smart attorney! He understood my problem and came up with a great solution right away. I can depend on him to listen and ask the right questions to get straight to my issues. His availability is...

Alan Murphy

Hiring James to handle my eviction / landlord tenant case is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. He assisted me every step of the way and made the process smooth and easy. It was obvious that he truly cared about...

Monica Martínez alvarado

I've had a lot of attorneys in my life, and James is by far the best attorney that I've ever hired. He helped me with my case from start to finish and clearly explained the process to me without making it overly complex...

DD M

Great consultation, efficient, attorney. I needed possession of my home, Mr. Arrasmith acted swiftly and was able to provide me the information I needed to understand what could have been a lengthy process. Mr...

Nadia Faraci

James is an amazing attorney!! I had never hired a lawyer before (and was very nervous), but James took hours of his time to explain the entire procedure to me. He gave me a thorough consultation, and I was so impressed...

Ledi

James was the only person to answer the phone at 7am on a Saturday morning. My first phone call to him was as a scared and stressed woman with no idea on where to even begin to explain the sort of help I needed. James...

Renae Elise

James helped me with two landlord tenant issues. In both cases, I was able to expeditiously resolve my issue with the tenant. I appreciate his genuine care for his clients; a rare trait in an attorney. I would highly...

theresa26 r

I cannot begin to describe how amazing and reassuring it was to have James guide me through the most challenging moment of my life. When my mother let me know she would soon be passing from cancer and wanted to leave...

Tricia Matsis

James Arrasmith did a great job for me on my legal matter. From the first time I talked to him he was very professional and knew what he was talking about. I would recommend James Arrasmith to anyone who needs help with...

Alvin Warren

I can't express enough how much James put my heart at ease. He has really been dugiligant at getting things done vs what I have experienced before using other lawyers. Highly recommend James if your looking for trust...

Jeremy Rasmussen Finnif Skate

James Arrasmith is a fantastic attorney. He is respectful and knowledgeable! Always very responsive and really takes his time explaining everything so you can understand it. I would highly recommend you meet with James...

Andrew Noseworthy

Mr. Arrasmith was cocounsel on a complex case, but was able persuade a notoriously bad judge to go along with the resolution. He’s a fine lawyer that works hard to make sure he is prepared to win the case. I highly...

James Pearson

Highly recommend choosing James. He was extremely responsive always making sure I understood every step of the process. In addition, he would periodically check in with me before important decisions needed to be made.

Tulsi

He is experts and reasonable attorney.

Ahmad Ali Shinwary

Best attorney I ever worked with... he takes time to explain the whole process and and will make sure you are happy with his work. We did a living trust and he helped me with an eviction case. I highly recommend him!

Alina Cojocari

James is an excellent attorney. I recommend him to anyone who's looking for someone who cares and wants to help win their case! :)

Allen Esealuka

I had a few questions about my situation, I needed some legal advice so I went ahead and contacted the Arrasmith firm. James was very helpful and polite, I asked him about a dozen questions and will be pursuing llegal...

Amber Styles

I cannot begin to describe how amazing and reassuring it was to have James guide me through the most challenging moment of my life. When my mother let me know she would soon be passing from cancer and wanted to leave her...

Tricia

James is a professional with outstanding customer service. We hired him to take care of an issue for us and he delivered as promised. I highly recommend him if you have any ongoing legal issues. James it's absolute...

Aztec Gold99

He will go out of his way . The best lawyer in Sacramento!I don’t know what I would do without lawyer james.

Bryan

Very professional, understanding and willing to assist in any way he can. I am most definitely keeping James as my one stop shop lawyer.

Brad Naylor

I am so happy I found Mr. Arrasmith's law firm! I couldn't have been happier with my decision to hire James. He took my case from point A to point Z and kept me informed every step of the way. If I ever need an attorney...

Bryce Colburn

James is a wonderful addition to the legal community. He is hard working, bright and ethical. He goes the extra mile for his clients.

Caitlin Ross

He was a great attorney.

Devon Campbell

I contacted Mr. Arrasmith regarding a disability related inquiry for a family member. Mr. Arrasmith provided excellent and immediate responses to my questions. I felt as though he truly cared about the well being of my...

Anonymous

Great consultation, efficient, & positive attorney. I needed possession of my home, Mr. Arrasmith acted swiftly and was able to provide me the information I needed to understand what could have been a lengthy process...

Nadia

I had a few questions about my situation, I needed some legal advice so I went ahead and contacted the Arrasmith firm. James was very helpful and polite, I asked him about a dozen questions and will be pursuing llegal...

Amber

James is a great guy. He has helped me to start a very difficult case. That I was nervous to do. He has made me Confident that he will fight hard on my case.

Rachel

I am so happy I made a decision to hire James to help me with my case. He was very professional and assisted me every step of the way. I was able to get a very positive settlement on my case. I couldn’t be happier!

Ledi

James has helped me tremendously with my legal matter by going over all the forms with me and clearly explaining how to complete them. He has made everything easy for me. I am very glad I called James!

Patty

James did a great job helping us with getting our settlement. Followed up in timely manners and updates always provided. Thank you for your help!

Anonymous

Gave James smith a call late at night with an immediate answer, he is very quick to respond and was eager to answer any questions I had.

Erika

Mr. Arrasmith was great, he answered all my questions and was very helpful with my legal matter. Thanks again James.

Alvin

Mr. Arrasmith was great, he answered all my questions and was very helpful with my legal matter. Thanks again James.

Alvin

Mr. Arrasmith was cocounsel on a complex case, but was able persuade a notoriously bad judge to go along with the resolution. He’s a fine lawyer that works hard to make sure he is prepared to win the case. I highly...

James

I've had a lot of attorneys in my life, and James is by far the best attorney that I've ever hired. He helped me with my case from start to finish and clearly explained the process to me without making it overly complex...

Darren

James is a great lawyer! He is honest and very trustworthy. He will give you sound legal advice.

Jason Motto

Great service and customer service. Very professional too, thanks James and Maria!! Having a bilingual attorney who knows so many different aspects of the law is a BIG plus.

JC R

I found James online after an extensive search. He was knowledgeable and worked with me on a payment plan I could afford. I'm happy I picked him for dealing with my awful landlord. He helped me get the settlement I...

Jenn C

Lawyer James Arrasmith For me He very was very approachable and likeable as a person . I felt very comfortable with the knowledge, and information shared for our case. which we got desired result from. He to me is a...

John Davis

James is a wonderful lawyer and person! He is hardworking , ethical, quick and effective lawyer! He knows what he is doing.

Ka Saelee

James Arrasmith always does amazing job helping me with my landlord and tenant cases!! He is my go-to attorney when I need assistance in evicting tenants. I like how he also represents tenants as well as landlords - so...

Kerry Davis

No one likes to need an attorney, but when you do, James is amazing to have in your corner! He is smart, professional, patient, and always makes sure his client is comfortable and confident with the next steps. I refer...

Kristen Trexler

Best lawyer he will get the job done went out of his way totally

Larry Yabut

Mr. Arrasmith and his team are amazing. Mr. Arrasmith is very knowledgeable and has been amazing through our whole process. He treats people like a human being and not a paycheck, I would highly recommend him to...

Magan Mellinger

No one likes to need an attorney, but when you do, James is amazing to have in your corner! He is smart, professional, patient, and always makes sure his client is comfortable and confident with the next steps. I refer...

Kristen

I would highly recommend James. I did lots of research searching for a great Attorney in the area. He makes you feel hopeful during a difficult times. His knowledge and expertise was great!

Maria Guardado

I had a personal issue and needed to consult with a lawyer. James Arrasmith took his time to explain everything so that I could understand exactly what my options were and the best way to go about my next move. I would...

Mark Hodges

A Very Nice, Personable Attorney/Person!! He is Very Patient and Willing to Listen to My {Tour} Case/Problems>I would Highly Recommend James to Anyone Seeking Fair and Equitable Justice!! Mark, CA.

Mark Loeffler

Thank you Mr James for helping me. What a great attorney! If you need help call Mr Arrowsmith!

Marva Davis

I give James Arrowsmith Attorney at Law 5 stars not just because he supports and represents CAED (our Non- Profit Organization that works with children ) but also because of how decent a person I've found him ...

Marvell Wilson

I was sooooo nervous about my case until I called James. He literally made the entire process simple and easy for me. I cannot recommend him highly enough! He is the most amazing attorney I’ve ever had!

Peyton

James has helped me tremendously with my legal matter by going over all the forms with me and clearly explaining how to complete them. He has made everything easy for me. I am very glad I called James!

Patsa Hin-udom

I am Latina and my English is not very good, therefore the attorney made sure that there was an assistant who spoke Spanish and who translated everything he told me and answered all my questions. Excellent service, I...

Paula Barriga

James is fantastic! He answered all of my questions and gave me clear guidance. If you are looking for an experienced and knowledgable attorney, I highly recommend James. Amazing Lawyer!

peyton cooks

James has a very good heart. He takes his cases personally as if it was him. He is a very nice understanding guy

Rachel Ottley

James is very knowledgeable, professional, and dependable. He patiently guided me through my estate planning and pre-nuptial questions, and made both processes much easier for me to understand. Highly recommended.

Sanat Sahasrabudhe

James arasmith is an excellent attorney when I needed help or advice he was always there to answer my calls or emails a very kind person listens & cares.

Tariq Johnson

Thank you so much for being highly responsive. Making I understand every step of the process. As well as checking in with me before important decisions need to be made.

Tulsi Patel

Very friendly, personable, and professional. I was able to get through my legal issue relatively smoothly and had exceptional support through the entire process. Pricing was reasonable and the billing process was not...

V Cat

I had some legal questions, and contacted James Arrasmith Law firm. His response was quick, and very helpful.

vera vlasenko

I highly recommend James Arrasmith. He really listens to your needs & truly cares about his clients. He is very professional & provides great results!

Vicky Tisdale

Contact Us Now

CF-pic.png

(916) 704-3009